Warning over DVLA scam text targetting drivers

UK Drivers have been warned about a scam text message circulating that could give crooks access to their bank accounts in minutes.

Phishing scams trick innocent victims into giving over personal details such as bank information, often by sending text messages claiming to be from a legitimate company or business.

This simple scam could deceive victims into losing thousands of pounds within just a few minutes.

The messages usually claim either that a motorist has overpaid their car tax and is due to a refund, or that there has been an issue with a tax payment, and they need to log into the fraudulent website to update their details.

Last year, there was a huge increase in the number of motorists reporting suspected fraud to the DVLA. In the three months to September 2020, the agency saw a 603% increase in reported cases compared with the same period a year previously.

What to do if you’ve been targeted by a phishing scam?

Suspicious text messages can be forwarded free of charge to your network provider on 7726. You can also report it to Action Fraud or the police if you think you have fallen victim to such a scam.